I think she would like the choisya, I have that one in my own garden and she was there when I got it. I'll have to see what she makes of what I've got her and how much space is left. How hardy is that Jasmine Marion?

Elder are very easy to do from cuttings and chances are if you have a mature berrying one in your garden you've probably got a self seeded one already growing somewhere. You'll be waiting a while for the berries though.

She was talking about maybe putting some hellebores in there too. I don't think she wants any bare soil at any time of year because cats like to poo out front which drives her mad! Perhaps I should keep the Lonicera for my garden as it is more of an untidy wildlife effort and find her something better.

Thanks Nut and Busy. Perhaps she could sandwich the Lonicera in between some other things to distract from the messy look in Summer? I was thinking the Skimmia and Sarcococca could go nearer the tree where it's more dry and shady.

My Mum has requested a shrub for her Birthday (end Nov) to go in a new border in her North facing clay front garden. She doesn't want anything that will take much maintenance or grow too large as she doesn't like working out the front much. She specified, low maintenance, flowers, maybe scent (she doesn't want much)! It might also get quite dry because she has a large Sorbus and some other shrubs there already.

I have ordered her these:

Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana(skimmia (berry-bearing)

Lonicera × purpusii 'Winter Beauty'(winter honeysuckle)

Sarcococca confusa(sweet box)

Does anyone have these shrubs already and can you give me any advice on care/maintenance. If any are really unsuitable I can just pop them in my garden!